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Legislative Activity

This legislation would require USDA and HHS, in coordination with other specified agencies and departments, to develop, publish, and submit to Congress a national One Health Framework for coordinated Federal activities under a One Health Program. This legislation would improve federal efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks. The NJVMA has joined the AVMA led coalition supporting this act. Click here to read the entire bill.

NJVMA Supports A1563

This bill clarifies sales tax collection responsibilities of horse-boarding businesses in New Jersey. Boarding of horses is currently considered "storage" and is subject to sales tax like a self-storage unit would be. There has long been a lack of clarity within the horse-boarding community regarding their tax obligations; many facilities that should be charging sales tax were not doing so. Audits by the Department of Taxation have resulted in tax assessments, penalties, and interest that, in some cases, have been substantial enough to force business closures. This bill would make “charges for storing a horse, pony, mule, donkey, or hinny in a barn, stable, or other similar structure or facility by a person engaged in the business of boarding or stabling or otherwise keeping or holding horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, or hinnies” non-taxable, thus removing the need for boarding facilities to charge, collect, and remit sales tax. Click here to read the entire bill.

Oppose Mandatory Prescription Writing for Veterinarians

Some members of Congress want to require veterinarians to provide clients with written prescriptions for their pets, regardless of the clients’ wishes. There is no need for a sweeping federal mandate on this issue. The vast majority of states, including New Jersey , already have a requirement for a veterinarian to provide a prescription when a client requests one, and the AVMA's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics state that veterinarians shall provide written or electronic prescriptions when asked. To contact Congress and oppose prescription mandates, please click here.